Mississippi Cosmetology Board Practice Exam

Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is the ingredient in hair color that is most commonly associated with allergic reactions. PPD is a synthetic chemical that is widely used in many hair dyes to achieve darker colors and improve color retention. The reason it can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals is that it can bind to proteins in the skin and create a substance that the immune system mistakenly recognizes as harmful. This can result in contact dermatitis, which may present as redness, itching, or swelling at the site of application.

While ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and resorcinol are indeed components of hair coloring products, they do not have the same level of known potential to cause allergic reactions as PPD. Ammonia primarily acts as an alkaline agent to open the hair cuticle for color penetration, while hydrogen peroxide serves as a developer that helps to lighten hair and activate the dye. Resorcinol is used as a dyeing agent and can also cause irritation, but PPD is the most significant allergen among these ingredients. Understanding the role of each component in the dyeing process is important for anyone working in cosmetology, especially when it comes to client safety and potential allergic reactions.